Singles Embrace Financial Independence

Ally Bank survey finds 51% of singles enjoy money freedom, 42% feel confident about achieving financial goals

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new report from Ally Bank reveals a more nuanced picture of single life, with 40% of single respondents saying they have other priorities right now that are more important than being in a relationship, and over half (51%) reporting that being single gives them the freedom to manage their money exactly as they want. While a significant 61% of singles cover all their expenses entirely on their own, only one-third (33%) perceive this as a 'singles tax.' The data suggests that for many, solo financial responsibility is empowering, offering greater autonomy, freedom, control and peace of mind.

Why it matters

The narrative that singles are financially disadvantaged is being rewritten, as the survey illustrates that many singles are not 'just single,' but single, solvent and surprisingly satisfied. This refreshing data underscores the importance of aligning financial goals with personal values and ensuring those values guide spending, saving and investing decisions, regardless of relationship status.

The details

The survey found that nearly seven in 10 singles (68%) generally feel content with their single status, despite 75% admitting to worrying about money at least several times a year. Single women report higher contentment with being single, yet they also experience greater financial anxiety than single men. This disparity reflects the intricate balance many women navigate between emotional fulfillment and financial responsibility. The findings further emphasize that while independence is valued, it does not automatically translate to financial ease, as singles are more likely than their coupled counterparts to report feelings of anxiety (34% vs 29%), overwhelm (30% vs 26%) and worry (29% vs 26%) when evaluating their personal finances.

  • The survey was conducted in February 2026.

The players

Ally Bank

A financial services company with the nation's largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business.

Lindsay Sacknoff

President of consumer banking at Ally.

Jack Howard

Head of money wellness at Ally.

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What they’re saying

“The narrative that singles are financially disadvantaged is being rewritten. Our survey illustrates that many are not 'just single,' but single, solvent and surprisingly satisfied. This refreshing data underscores the importance of not only aligning financial goals with values, but ensuring those values guide your spending, saving and investing decisions, regardless of whether you're single or partnered.”

— Lindsay Sacknoff, President, consumer banking at Ally (Ally Bank)

“Your financial future is driven by your money behaviors, not your relationship status. Being partnered doesn't eliminate financial stress, just as being single doesn't grant a free pass for unchecked spending. Each status simply introduces a different set of financial considerations. What truly matters, whether you're single or sharing a life with someone, is making decisions that reflect what you genuinely value. Through deliberate, steady actions, you can ease your financial anxiety and build confidence, creating lasting money wellness on your own terms.”

— Jack Howard, Head of money wellness at Ally (Ally Bank)

The takeaway

This survey highlights the evolving narrative around single life, challenging the notion that singles are financially disadvantaged. It underscores the importance of aligning personal values with financial decisions, regardless of relationship status, and emphasizes that financial wellness is driven by individual money behaviors, not partnership. The data suggests singles are embracing financial independence and finding empowerment in solo money management.